crafty blog about toymaking, quilting and finding inspiration

making right along

Is it embarasssing to admit that while working on projects for make-a-long I make up words to the Moving Right Along song from the muppets? I’m getting pretty good at making up songs on the fly because Oscar is always making requests, "sing a song about my dump truck", etc.

I’m working on the designs for the next set of make-a-long patterns. Here’s a sneak peek at the sidekick. Now I need to work on the kids’ sized version. This guy is 7" tall.

What I really should be doing is cleaning the house. My in-laws arrive tomorrow and what am I doing? Stepping over laundry, ignoring the kitchen floor, putting blinders on through the chaos so I can get some crafting done while Oscar’s preschooling. I have just a few things I want to finish before the weekend. Like my primitive Halloween decorations and maybe a new pincushion design? I was asked to contribute to a pincushion book but I can’t decide whether or not or which or when. I’ve got a soft spot for these first pincushions I made but too simple?

Seven Feet tall??? Wow that is big! Oh, inches.. oh silly me! Love the kitty and the cushions!
I think your song making up is perfect! I am an avid lyrical improviser also and it is always nice to find a kindred spirit!
Hugs Hugs Hugs!

I may just try the make-a-long for that kitty–too cute! I am pretty new at creating by sewing, but I’m getting hooked! I’d love to make something so cute as this!
I really like the pincushions–very charming in their simplicity!

oh, that cat kills me!
and those pincushions are perfect in their mod simplicity.
I’m expecting “Ask Hillary” to return. And soon. I’m concocting elaborate Jerry-Springer-esque scenarios to inquire about as we speak…

Sometimes the projects we feel are the most simplest and not worthy of inclusion are actually the best thing to do. I love finding new projects but sometimes I just want to make something that is cute or pretty or just plain fun and not have it so over-worked in design that I’m intimidated by it. I think your “simple” pincusions are fabulous and would be a wonderful inclusion in the book.

Ok – I must be daft! I thought the animal above was a squirrel, but everyone is calling it a kitty….
As for the pincushions – I really love the flowers. I like that they are simple – it gives them lots of charm!

The pincushions are so cute! And I love what you wrote about “Moving Right Along.” Ever since I got a car I have been listening to/singing that a lot to the dismay of most of my friends. It’s a good song! Take care!

Those pincushions are delicious like candy. Complexity is not what makes good design, it’s about visual appeal and functionality, and those succeed quite handily. I wish I had a big bowl of those for decoration, they are fabulous!

I adore those pincushions. I think a big jumbo brandy snifter of those would look cool on a shelf. (After I write this I see someone else though the same thing!)
I have actually been debating asking you how to make those. I know it’s likely so simple that I’m gonna kick myself. But I just think they are so sweet.
By the way. I could see you outsourcing some of this work to sell on Etsy. Those pincushions for example. Next thing you know you’ll be living in an Oak Park mansion!

I love the pincushions. Simple or not, I think they’re absolutely adorable, as is the kitty.
Have those little backpack patterns gone out yet? I suppose I shouldn’t ask since it sounds like you got plenty on your plate, but I don’t want to miss a thing!

ilove the kitty and can’t wait to see the next stichettes…i’ve actually done two of the 4 girls! first craft project in over 8 months! And i love the pincushions–they totally represent your style, clean, pure but a little funky/retro with an clean edge…well that is how i think of you anyway.

The kitty is so cute! However my mind is running circles trying to come up with a plausible explanation for his armlessness. It’s a bit too late and all my stories are either unbelievable or morbid.
Just kidding. 🙂 Really I’m just assuming that “sneak peek” meant “so far…”
The pincushions are charming!

I LOVE those pincushions and need to get cranking on Christmas presents myself, but my project room remains one of the last spaces in my home to be organized and I too have house-guests this weekend. I think that calls for a late night tonight! Thanks for the much needed inspirtation, as usual.

Reading

My Book

A captivating gang of 24 huggable, lovable creatures to sew—from classics like Margot, a topsy-turvy doll, and the button-jointed teddy bear Bjorn Bjornson, to irresistible Evelyn, a wool felt inchworm decked out in mod glasses and a kerchief, and Koji, a fiercely cute spiked softie monster. There’s something for everyone here—from kids to grown-ups and from beginning sewers to advanced dollmakers. Published by STC Craft, August, 2010.